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The grass is greening up, the lakes have finally thawed (at least in the Twin Cities!), and anxious gardeners have started digging up their beds. As we throw open our windows and welcome spring indoors, we at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine knew the home-improvement bug would be biting soon inside as well. So, we're thrilled to present our best-ever batch of befores and afters in the latest issue of Mpls.St.Paul Home, which just hit newsstands.
 Our cover story is an exquisite renovation by designer Andrew Flesher of Gunkelman Flesher at Minneapolis's landmark 510 Groveland building. It joins an impressive lineup of befores and afters, including a Kenwood Victorian for architect David Heide and a wonderful cottage redo in Edina. You'll also find wonderful home decor trend stories, all featuring products you can buy locally. Perhaps most impressive is the beautiful preview of our 2008 ASID Showcase Home near Lake Harriet, which opens next week.
Pick up a copy today, and find inspiration for your weekend home-improvement scouting and shopping!
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I am signing a lease today for a new apartment in downtown Minneapolis. Although I won't be moving until July, I have already started thinking about how I’ll switch up my décor.
I have a very schizophrenic design personality, which I haven’t yet completely honed in on. I am still trying to figure out the difference between styles I like in theory (American federal, English shabby chic, French country) and the style I want to live in (much more clean, calm, and reserved). I like things that look old but are actually new (lacquered neo-Rocco scroll work), mid-century style seating, art deco accents, and anything that looks a little unfinished and natural. I guess if I had to describe what my ideal place would look like, it would be a sort of glammed up, modern farm house—lots of natural, rough wood pieces; clean-lined furnishings; and flea market accents, with a few art deco flourishes to round it out.
Because I need to use most all of my furniture in my new apartment (Ikea Karlstad sofa, aspen wood coffee table, chrome side chairs, and countless lamps, accents, and mirrors), I’ve been scouring the Internet as of late trying to find some great pieces at reasonable prices to freshen up what I already have. Here are a few items that caught my eyes, some of which I hope to purchase in the next few months, some of which will stay on my wish list until I win the lottery.
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I’ve learned that I easily tire of color. The pattern of this rug gives it depth and texture, even in simple black and white. Morocco bikaner wool rug, five feet by eight feet (on sale for $249), from CB2 |
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If I could afford one thing right now, it would be a huge, worn-in
leather chair in which I could curl up get lost in with a good book. The buttery soft bourbon leather and mahogany finish is brawny without being overly
masculine. Cotswold Chair ($1,998) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447
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This 1960’s-style sofa is clean-lined and sparse, but the tufting and button cushions give it character. Petrie Sofa, ($1,499) from Crate & Barrel, Galleria, 952-920-2300
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I’ve long admired the wire design of the Bertoia chair, but I enjoy
this one for its more organic feel (and lower price tag). I can see this
pulled up to my wooden desk. De La Tour Chair ($160) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448
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I love the graphic pattern on this rug, but I’d probably opt for it in its other color scheme, brown and ivory. I do get a little nervous about buying something such as a rug on the Internet, so I will probably wait until the West Elm store opens in Edina later this year. Yellow and ivory petal rug, five feet by eight feet ($199), West Elm |
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I am in pretty desperate need for a bed frame. I’ve been sleeping like
a college student with my box spring and mattress on the ground for
way too long. I like that this is a very streamlined version of a
canopy. Classic with no frill. Petite silhouette canopy bed in white ($499–$599), Brocade Home
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I have too many small bookcases. Before I move, I plan on taking them all to Goodwill and investing in one or two wall-length styles to store all of my books, magazines, and more. Expedit bookcase ($149) from Ikea, 8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, 952-858-8088
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I have an Anthropologie shower curtain right now, but if I was in the market for the new one, a watercolor rendering of flowers would certainly cheer up my morning ritual on even the gloomiest of days. Sundew Shower Curtain ($88) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S. , Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447 |
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I love anything with a little bit of wink. The daguerreotype photographs framed in cameo-like scrolling could make for an understated accent piece. Cameo chair ($680) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447 |
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Again with the wink. I can’t stand a space that is overly precious, and
a funky owl lamp is certain to add a bit of humor to my living room.
Hoot lamp base ($36) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448
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As (the prospect of!) warm weather has us scanning stores for outdoor furniture, it's exciting to learn that two cutting edge works by MCAD Furniture Design students might soon be produced and sold by Room & Board. Student designers, challenged in a competition sponsored by the retailer, came up with prototypes for outdoor seating that could be produced domestically from environmentally friendly materials.
One of the winning entries was "Bask," a chair designed by senior Matt Borchert. It's made of welded steel and rope. The idea, he says, came from a combination of his love for strong, almost typographic lines and materials that fit in with the outdoor environment.
"Seymour," the second winning entry, is a chair and ottoman designed by junior Mac Plumstead. Starting with the concept of an Adirondack chair, Plumstead came up with the cool design of cut, folded metal over a welded steel frame.
The competition, now in its sixth year, usually recognizes one design, so this year's winning pair is a first. Room & Board's vendor resource manager, Steve Freeman, actually considers the 2008 proposals the best yet. And although it's not yet known whether the retailer will produce and sell the designs, there is history of doing so: "Stow," a media console designed in 2005 by MCAD student Maxwell Kelsey, is part of Room & Board's current furniture line.
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As an off-the-beaten-path world traveler (rarely are we talking London or Paris . . . usually more like villages near Hanoi or the Hopi Reservation in Arizona), Iâve always had a soft spot for interesting indigenous crafts. And I love how some of the most intriguing home designs (and Twin Cities shops such as Bjorling & Grant, Great Estate Home and Garden, and Nola Home bring antiques and artifacts into the architecture and décor. But Iâll admit I was somewhat skeptical when designer and stylist Alecia Stevens first told me about the Guatemalan Textile Trunk Show over dinner back in December. Hundreds of handmade blankets and clothing items would be transformed into exquisite chairs, pillows, and works of art, she told me. I pictured the typical import-market look. Was I ever wrong!
The show, which runs Friday and Saturday at the Odegard show room in Minneapolisâs North Loop neighborhood, features chic, one-of-a-kind pieces created by top local designers Lynn Barnhouse, Carol Belz, Wendy Coggins, Tom Gunkelman, Sally Wheaton Hushcha, Marcia Morine, Gay Parker, and Mary Wozniak.
One of my favorites is a vintage glider refurbished by Gunkelman. The textiles on it were actually woven and used by women in Guatemala, most likely as cortes (traditional skirt fabric worn like a sarong). Along with other pieces in the show, it features fabrics purchased in Guatemalan cities and villages by textile artist and teacher Mary Anne Wise of Stockholm, Wisconsin. Wise and two colleagues actually purchased more than 1,000 items for use in this show.
As if that weren't enough, Stephanie Odegard has designed four new rugs, including the San Mateo and San Pedro, which will be on display this weekend and available for order. Although handmade in Nepal using 100 percent Himalayan wool, the pieces take inspiration from the rich weaving heritage of the Guatemalan textiles.
San Mateo rug
San Pedro rug
And now, as if that weren't enough, the coolest of the particulars: All proceeds from the event benefit Friendship Bridge, a micro-credit and education organization that has helped 17,000 rural Guatemalan women to date.
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Heads up: More Cool Crafts
Friends from the Twin Cities and from out of town have long been looking forward to tomorrowâs Craftstravaganza Rogue Art & Craft Sale at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Instead of chic, indigenous craft, I think this is more about fun felt toys, homemade handbags, and funky screenprinted clothes. I am actually looking forward to it! If nothing else, itâs a pretty cool complement to the Odegard event.
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If you lived in the Twin Cities in the '90s, you must remember Steve and Sharon, the infamous duo that hosted KSTP's Good Company. Our local ABC affiliate is hoping to hit gold again with Twin Cities Live, a mid-afternoon talk and news program hosted by Rebekah Wood and John Hanson. The search for the hosts took months and spanned the continent, and the show premiered yesterday. We nabbed a few minutes of the hosts' busy time and asked them a few harmless questions.
John Hanson:
Q. What is your favorite Twin Cities neighborhood and why?
A. The Warehouse District because it’s near some great lounges and close to the sports arenas
Q. Necessary extravagance?
A. Premium beer
Q. What can’t you leave home without?
A. Like everyone else on Earth, my cell phone
Q. Who inspires you?
A. People with muscular dystrophy who don’t let it stop them from constantly achieving
Q. Where can we find you on a Friday Night?
A. r.Norman’s
Q. Have Steve and Sharon given you any advice?
A. No, I haven’t had a chance to talk to them, but I would love to.
Q. Tell us something we don’t know
about your co-host, Rebekah?
A. She had to overcome some amazing
competition for the job and earned it.
Rebekah Wood:
Q. What is your favorite Twin Cities neighborhood and why?
A. Woodbury because it’s my neighborhood, and the people there have been unbelievably welcoming.
Q. Necessary extravagance?
A. Starbucks . . . two toddlers, need I say more?
Q. What can’t you leave home without?
A. Guilt—whenever I have to drop my girls off at preschool. Or, C.O. Bigelow mint lip gloss. Both are always with me.
Q. Who inspires you?
A. My husband who is winning a pretty tough fight against brain cancer
Q. Where can we find you on a Friday Night?
A. I’d like to say at a great happy hour, but usually it’s popcorn party night with my family.
Q. Have Steve and Sharon given you any advice?
A. Not yet, but I can’t wait until they do.
Q. Tell us something we don’t know about your co-host, John?
A. He’s got a great overbite when he dances.
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Meet artisans, and marvel at gorgeous handcrafted furniture and housewares at the American Craft Show, opening today and running through the weekend at RiverCentre in St. Paul. Produced by the American Craft Council, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1943, this is the largest show of its kind in the Midwest.
Word is the New York-based council has identified the Twin Cities as a key fine-craft market. In any case, it’s a fantastic opportunity to peruse and purchase high-quality works (including clothing and jewelry, too) from more than 200 artists, a few of who are from Minnesota, but most are from elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad.
Highlights from big to small: 
The “Don’t Fall Down” dresser by Damian Velasquez
The Connemara chair by Robert Erickson, which is one of the products in the green category, new to the show this year
A cool kids’ table by David Levy
A textured birch vessel from Jay McDowell, also in the green category
Beautiful hand-blown Optic goblets and all-purpose glasses from the Vermont Glass Workshop
Admission is $12 and includes artist demonstrations on the show floor every day.
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Twin Cities architects, designers, builders, and kitchen/bath show room owners and buyers are among the 40,000-plus attendees in Chicago starting yesterday for the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show. The centerpiece of the convention hall floor is the Design Idea Center. This is where our local design eyes will be pulling dozens of products and planning ideas we’ll soon see on sale and in projects here.
The concept this year is brilliant. Five leading home-design magazines have teamed with the National Kitchen and Bath Association to produce sets that speak to different life stages. Here’s a glimpse of what’s going on:
A kitchen for the family organizer by Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Windows don’t cut out the option for upper cabinets in this kitchen: Cupboards with frosted-glass fronts and backs let light shine through and highlight colorful glassware. Around the corner, a wall of cabinets harnesses almost everything for the busy household, including those unruly sporting goods.
A kitchen for the hostess extraordinaire by Kitchen and Bath Ideas magazine. The most beautiful feature here is a banquette with plenty of seating close to the cooking action, perfect for family members and guests to comfortably gather.
A bath for a savvy young professional by Traditional Home magazine. This bath boasts all kinds of pampering features (take a look at the luxurious freestanding whirlpool/soaking tub and the towel-warming cabinet) and fine fixtures and finishes (the mosaics and Murano glass chandelier!).
A kitchen and bath for what designers call a “future thinker” by Midwest Living magazine. The ideas here include wider traffic patterns, some low countertop heights (sit-down work spaces), and accommodating cabinet designs (see the smart cabinet storage racks you can pull toward you). The features are intended to make living easier for all—but particularly for those baby boomers out there who want to design for future life stages (put more bluntly: aging!).
A kitchen for the mother starting out by Country Home magazine. Intriguing to me is the island with a lower tier of countertop space for extra storage. (Look closely at the island. Maybe it’s for stashing cookbooks or plates and platters of food—just to keep the top countertop clear?) The low shelves just outside the kitchen are perfect for the kids’ books and games.
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The exceptional architecture of the Twin Cities has amazed design fans such as me for years. So I shouldn’t be surprised that the American Institute of Architects is hailing a modern masterpiece right here in Deephaven as one of the winners of its 2008 Housing Awards. Designed by David Salmela and Carly Coulson of Duluth-based Salmela Architect, the home was built by (and for) custom builder Kevin Streeter of Streeter & Associates.
The project’s progressive nature had already caught the eyes of design editors, landing on the pages of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Metropolitan Home last year. I particularly love how the home’s box design makes a stunning yet refreshingly simple statement. The key material palette is fairly straightforward: glass, concrete block, Glulam (glued laminated wood) beams, structural-insulated panels, and pipe. In a world where eco-friendly products are increasingly important, it’s great to see sustainable materials in the forms of a reclaimed cypress exterior wood finish and fly ash concrete block.
Inside, you can see how the simple scheme of concrete, Glulam beams, and glass plays out. Look at that connection to the outdoors—practically seamless.
I’ve personally seen a couple of the other homes on the AIA’s list of 2008 winners, and I’m familiar with a few of the other firms. This house is in good company. To read more about the home in Deep Haven and the other award winners, take a look at the list on the AIA site.
I’ll be actively hunting for more great homes and home-design shopping sources to share with you in the magazine and online very soon. I’ve been out of commission for a few days (no blog last week, I’m afraid) since slipping on the ice and falling on the side of my foot, breaking three bones in my ankle. Two hours of surgery (and a plate, screws, pins, and wire) along with some time off my feet, and I’m almost good as new. I’ll be lying low but will do my best to cover the latest on crutches!
Lifestyle designer Angela Adams has introduced a new rug to be sold at Design Within Reach. The traditional hand-tufted wool rug, named Ocean, is made with 100 percent
New Zealand wool and celebrates the designer's love of the sea (she's from Portland, Maine, after all). The rug comes in two sizes: five-by-eight ($899) and eight-by-ten ($1,499).
The collection is available online and at the Minneapolis outpost of Design Within Reach. 2939 Hennepin Ave., 612-827-0990
This month, J.R. Watkins, the 140-year-old Winona apothecary company, will launch two new all-natural and eco-friendly lines, J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary and J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care. They will be available at mass retailers, including Target.
All of the items in the body collection (lotions, creams, foot salves, lip balms, and body oil) are 97.5–100 percent natural and free of parabens, sulfates, glycols, and phthalates; the home cleaning line (dish soap, window cleaner, and tub and tile cleaner) is free of harsh chemicals, such as ammonia and chlorine.
Best of all, prices range between $3.99 and $8.99, much less than many other supermarket natural cleaning and apothecary brands.
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It has been months in the making, but the 2008 ASID Showcase Home near Lake Harriet, sponsored in part by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, opens in just eight weeks. It’s exciting because when I saw the early demolition work back in November, it seemed like such an enormously daunting project. But the crews have done an amazing job through the winter. This morning, architect Lars Peterssen with Domain Architecture & Design gave me a sneak peek at how it’s shaping up inside and out.
Here’s the exterior, where new fiber cement siding from James Hardie gives the home a look closer to its Colonial-style past, replacing stucco that had gone up in later years. Architects at Domain have designed custom shutters that will be hung soon.
The back of the house represents a pretty significant three-level addition. The screen porch off the kitchen will be a great spot to relax and peek through the trees to Lake Harriet. Don’t be turned off by the chainlink fence; terraced walls and a pool by Outdoor Environments will really soften the scene.
A sleek gas fireplace by Heat-N-Glo, supplied by Fireside Hearth & Home, anchors the great room. Even though crews are just now building the shell, you can get the idea of the more linear firebox. The design is new to Heat-N-Glo and will be available late in 2008.
Across from the fireplace is the kitchen. The island is being framed up now, and you can see the ducting that will connect to the range hood. Soon it will look similar to this kitchen (which is actually at a Minneapolis condo), with a modern kitchen by Valcucine Minneapolis.
The Palladian window on the third level, a new unit from Marvin, takes the place of an old unit in nearly the same style. All windows and doors are trimmed inside and out and feature nice muntin designs that relate nicely to the home’s vintage.
I’ll check back again with Lars and some of the interior designers involved as construction wraps up in a few weeks. To read more in the meantime, go to the ASID Showcase Home Tour 2008 page on our website.
Rick Rack co-owners Ann McCabe and Cheri Toftey scour the globe to fill their charming south Minneapolis storefront with a bevy of vintage home furnishings, one-of-a-kind antiques, handmade jewelry, fashion accessories, retro pieces, and other knickknacks. Step inside, and you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy, especially this month when Rick Rack hosts a European Flea Market. The market began Thursday and runs through Saturday, March 22, featuring fresh discoveries from the duo's latest travels, plus many French-inspired pieces.
Rick Rack, 3413 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-746-4160
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The summer I graduated from college, I purchased my first set of dining chairs from Crate & Barrel on Nicollet Mall. Admittedly, they were the folding variety (now stored in a hall closet for occasional use), but they’re among the only pieces I still like from those days. Gotta love those staples that never go out of style.
Since then, I’ve visited lots of other Crate & Barrel stores around the country, and I’m sure many of you have, too. Most are built with two or three levels now, and they carry furniture (Note: colleague Jayne Haugen Olson tells me the Nicollet Mall location used to have an upper level with more furniture, too, but it was closed off years ago). So, although it’s been sad in many ways to see the old Minneapolis stores go, it’s thrilling to finally see a big store opening at Galleria in Edina.
After much anticipation, Wednesday night it was Crate & Barrel’s time to shine, to show us it was worth the wait. C&B founder and president Gordon Segal was on hand at the new store along with an entourage of staffers from home base in Chicago as well as the Twin Cities. They waved in customers, community leaders, and members of the media who had replied to written invitations. The crowds were crazy thick. Susan Evans with Galleria told me at least 1,500 people walked through the doors over the course of the evening. Apparently it was one of the most successful grand openings in C&B’s history. Here’s what it looked like right before the doors opened.
Waiting for the escalator was a lot like standing in line at a crowded club—you had to wait for people to come down before you could head up. Jayne and others I visited with were laughing that it seemed as if this was the first time we in the Twin Cities had seen a C&B.
Skylights and windows let lots of natural light into the store. Most of the furniture is on the upper level.
This glassware looks safe, but I heard one big crash of something (vases?) breaking during the evening. Not a surprise given the crowds!
I was really impressed with the building’s clean architectural lines and
comfortable flow. And I’m thrilled to be able to finally sink into a sofa or touch a table right here in Edina—versus looking at a catalog or heading to a store out of town. A ribbon-cutting this morning marked the official opening, so now is the time to get your first peek at what all the fuss is about. I hope to return myself, now that some of those crowds have cleared!
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New stores are popping up all over the Twin Cities, carrying everything from designer denim and outerwear to kids clothing and maternity wear. As spring approaches, take some time to explore all these new shopping spots. Here are a few on our radar:
Covered Expands
As mentioned in this week's Swag, denim diva Stacy Larson opens her second Covered location next month at 1201 Lagoon Ave. The Uptown store comes stocked with approximately 70 percent women's and 30 percent men's apparel. Find the designer denim we love at Larson's Dinkytown store, plus, a larger selection of dresses, separates, tops, accessories, and footwear. 402 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-378-4776
More for Moms-to-Be
South Minneapolis recently welcomed Nine, a maternity clothing consignment store. New moms can collect cash for their unwanted, gently used maternity clothes and moms-to-be can shop a range of high-end maternity wear at a fraction of its retail price. 5456 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-827-8144
A Beauty Buff's Haven
Minnesota's first PureBeauty Boutique & Salon opens its doors tomorrow at MOA. The charming European-inspired beauty boutique offers everything you'll need for hair, skin, nails, bath, face, and body, plus, a full-service salon and aesthetics suite. Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-854-6496
Just for the Kids
The Red Giraffe, run by mother-of-four Jill Swanson, opened last month in Woodbury. Find toys, bouncers, car seats, bedding, furniture, strollers, shoes, and more for infants, kids, and expectant moms. 10150 City Walk Dr., Ste. C, Woodbury, 651-714-5427
And at Ridgedale, Half Pint for Kids debuted its trendy boutique for pint-size shoppers, stocked with plenty of pretty dresses, cute separates, footwear, gifts, and other fun items for boys and girls. Ridgedale, Minnetonka, 952-546-1244
Outerwear Outpost
The always-changing retail corner near Calhoun Square says hello to the state's first North Face store on March 21. Browse the brand's innovative outdoor apparel, equipment, and footwear inside a beautiful and airy 7,200-square-foot location. 3008 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-827-1910
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Last week, while checking out the latest launches at the Home & Garden Show, I was struck by the number of important national home building/remodeling brands based in our own backyard. Many green-design and problem-solving products you’ll see on our pages as well as those of the national home-design magazines are made locally. Here are some of my favorites:
 The Ultimate Replacement Casement from Marvin Windows and Doors. The window style is gorgeous—perfect for homes of so many ages and styles. But the best feature is the mechanism/design that allows you to open and rotate the window to easily wash the outside. I couldn’t get over how easy it was to crank the window out (much like a traditional casement) and then turn the entire sash around toward the interior for easy cleaning. It’s a great problem solver for those pesky upper-floor windows!
 More natural quartz countertop options from Cambria. When these countertops first came to the U.S. several years ago, all the manufacturers were from outside the U.S. But then Cambria was introduced as the first (and still the only) choice within the category made domestically, and the main plant (which happens to be the second-largest quartz producing plant in the world) is right here in Le Sueur! The color and stone-look pattern options are amazing.
 Beautiful new 400 Series and 200 Series patio doors, now available in custom sizes, from Andersen. These are especially ideal for renovations where you want the design to relate perfectly to your spaces inside and out because they are custom-made in 1/8-inch increments.
By the way, if you haven’t seen it already, check out my colleague Melissa Colgan’s piece “Minnesota-Made” in the LifeStyle section of our March issue. You’ll see more furnishings (such as the $99 Real Good Chair from Blu Dot) and decorative accessories there.
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Lately, I’ve been surrounded by swatches, mostly those of fabrics from places my colleagues and I are using for photo shoots and presentations, such as KDR Showrooms. Luxurious as these swatches might be, it’s paint swatches that have garnered my surprise attention the last few days.
It all started when we photographed poster-size swatches of Yolo paint from Natural Built Home for one of our March features. I was so impressed with how you could unroll and tape one of these up on the wall and truly visualize your room’s new color. Better yet, the posters used actual paint—they weren’t just printed like typical swatches.
Then I caught wind of what Hirshfield’s is calling the Big Swatch. The eleven-inch square cards, which are available for 168 colors, are also made with real paint, not ink. You have to buy them, but at $2.49 per swatch ($1.99 if you sign up for a free Hirshfield’s service that archives your paint choices and notifies you of sales, etc.), it’s a small price to pay for helping with such a big decision. Gosh, where were these helpful tools the last time I had to make paint choices? Memories are now coming back of me taping little cards up on the wall and testing the effects of different light, or so I thought. I probably didn’t realize it then, but that small-swatch process seems pretty archaic. In the end, I wasn’t entirely pleased with the color either.
Now, I obviously love the poster/big-swatch idea. But just a few days ago, friends informed me they used big swatches to pick paints for their kitchen and family room. I thought, “how did they already get their hands on one of these?” Turns out, they just had the regular swatch cards that had not yet been cut to fit into the racks at the store (the swatches had the paint name/number printed in four places). Wow, brilliant idea! Granted, these cards were printed with ink, but still, it’s way easier to visualize your color this way than with only one swatch. (Thankfully, they were those slightly larger swatches without other colors in the family.) Their mention made me wonder why I never just taped cards together. Maybe some of you have done this for years. And, for all I know, designers do this it every day. Anyway, I guess tools such as the poster/big swatch just reveal how we can often figure out better ways to work—even if we don’t have cool new tools.
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One of my first stories as homes editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine was to cover the recent opening of modern furniture and housewares shop Roam. For year’s I’ve stuffed my suitcases full of cool kitchen utensils, office gadgets, ceramics, and glassware on my way back from design cities, such as Paris, Milan, and Stockholm. So, needless to say, it was a thrill to see many of the same lines on shelves at this fun shop.
A few days later, I was checking out storage-savvy cabinetry at Valcucine, gorgeous tile at Fantasia, and statement faucets at Montaggio. I was amazed with the breadth of European products so easily available to us in the Twin Cities! The experiences continued: Luxurious French and Italian fabrics from KDR at International Market Square and the reintroduction of the exquisite Sawbuck chair from Danish firm Carl Hansen & Son, distributed exclusively at Room & Board.
Friends and colleagues kept insisting I visit Nola Home in Bryn Mawr as well. Although owner Kelly Dorsey stocks plenty from Europe and the U.S., many of her most distinctive pieces are from elsewhere. For example: water jugs from China, fish traps from Tibet, and carved wood tables from Cameroon.
The timing for these observations was perfect: I’ve assembled the highlights for a presentation called “International Trends, Local Sources” I’m giving next week (Wednesday, February 27 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, February 28 at 4 p.m.) at the Home & Garden Show. I pulled several photos and products for a sneak peak on KARE 11’s Showcase Minnesota yesterday. Live TV isn’t all that tough when you have terrific ideas to share!
I’m so looking forward to sharing these as well as many others in person at the show. Hopefully those who attend (maybe you will be in the crowd?) will leave feeling great about the outstanding sources we have here in the Twin Cities. The more I learn, the more I am impressed—and the more I will continue to share with you. See you at the show!
“International Trends, Local Sources.” Home & Garden Show, Minneapolis Convention Center, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. Click here for tickets to the Home & Garden Show.
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Hello! Joining the Style Parlor team is just the latest in my indoctrination as homes editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and editor of the new Mpls.St.Paul Home. I couldn’t be more thrilled. The Twin Cities are so rich in home-design creativity . . . such fantastic shops, showrooms, and design talents. I hardly know where to start digging into the scene.
Maybe I shouldn’t say that. Although I’ve recently moved to Minnesota from Iowa, where I was on staff at Better Homes and Gardens, Beautiful Homes, and other national design magazines, I’m a longtime fan of what’s happening in the Twin Cities. Throughout the years, I’ve shopped and sourced many of your retailers and trade showrooms (Room & Board, of course, but also Danish Teak Classics, ID Inside Design, Hunt and Gather, and the Retro Loop antiques shops are favorites), and I’ve grown to know and respect a fair number of your designers and architects, many of whom my previous magazines featured nationally. But to be here in the flesh, amidst it all and living it with you, is truly a new experience. I guess I need to stop saying “your” and start saying “our.”
My first major feature, “The Home Design Top 50,” brought me up to speed on the scene’s latest and greatest in a big way. Wow, to boil all of the great ideas and sources of inspiration down to fifty? When there are literally hundreds? With help from a great panel of experts and my fellow editors, I did it. Granted, the list isn’t exhaustive. But it really proves there’s so much to love and learn on a local level—from such little shops as Nola Home and Nob Hill Hardware to big public architecture such as the new Central Library. The best kitchen/bath show rooms (Poggenpohl/Partners4Design, Valcucine, and more) you’ll see anywhere in the country. Gorgeous tile at Fantasia, Rubble Tile, and RBC. The absolute best in light fixtures at Citilights and Lappin Lighting. I could go on, but it’s best (and we have lots of photos) if you check out the article in the March issue.
I look forward to giving you more of the inside scoop on design, architecture, and related retail happenings once a week. Check out my blog every Thursday. In the meantime, I’ll be out scouting!
If you've yet to check out Nola Home, make it a point to stop by sometime this month. Located in Minneapolis's Bryn Mawr neighborhood, the charming storefront is throwing a huge storewide sale through the end of February. Find deep discounts on everything from vintage Indian furniture to eclectic tabletop accessories and organic linens.
Owner Kelly Dorsey (the former director of The Design Studio at
Gabberts) relentlessly stocks Nola with a well-edited collection of
modern, vintage, antique, and artisan-made home furnishings—there
really is something for everyone and something to catch your eye in
every corner.
Some of the great deals (there's much more in store!):
Reinterpreted classic furniture by California-based Oly Studio is 20 percent off.
Unique, large-scale vintage pieces from India are 40 to 60 percent off.
African cloth textiles are 50 percent off.
Nola Home, 404 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-374-4066
Treasure hunters, listen closely. Macy’s North is having a massive final blowout sale of all its Flea Market finds from its stores in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. The specialty boutique, which was brought into stores last June, includes finds from all over the world such as vintage handbags, jewelry, modern artwork, and loads of furniture.
The sale goes through Saturday and takes place during store hours in the 8th floor auditorium at Macy’s Nicollet Mall location. All items are marked 35 to 75 percent off.
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I braved the snow and blistery air on Monday afternoon and made a trek to St. Paul to check out the artisan wares at Artist Mercantile. The mix of art, jewelry, pottery, and glassware is always eclectic and reflective of the wonderful creatives that come out of our state. Here are a few of the things that caught my eye:
The pendants on these ribbon necklaces are actually dominoes. I love the range of prints—from Art Deco flappers to Marie Antoinette portraiture—that artists Marta Christmann and Kristen Fairman apply to each one ($32 each).
We are in the heat (pun intended) of the layering season right now, and nothing could look more chic and fresh than a pop of bright color or an ethnic print. This hand-loomed jacket by Elizabeth Horst has a jewel-tone color that is ideal for brightening up winter's navy, black, and gray wardrobe ($290).
Cameos have an innate femininity that make them a natural partner for winter white kits and filmy scarves. The Swarovski crystal (left, $55) and glass bead (right, $50) medallion necklaces by Marsha West also have a heft and a length that make them great for elongating a look.
The entertaining season might be over, but a great wooden serving spoon can add style to your table anytime. These styles, carved in red cedar and butternut wood, by Russell Benoy, are surprisingly slight ($45 each).
Artist Mercantile, 24 W. 7th Pace, St. Paul, 651-222-0053
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Target's annual Global Bazaar, featuring hundreds of home items from more than twenty countries, is back! This year, annual department rollout is themed around a few different color stories, including green and ivory; red, black, and white; yellow, black, and white; bronze; and blue and purple. Although I appreciate the color coordinating—if done right, it can look extremely chic—I think it is much more fun to pick items from all of the collections and create a space that is more bohemian, global, and unique to your style.
Here are a few of my cravings:
The scrolling botanical detail and ivory color give the hand-painted cream trunk a very Victorian feel ($129.99).
Add interest to an interior wall, and bring a bit of sunshine in during the dreariest of days with the wire capiz sunburst wall mirror ($69.99).
Give a room a bit more of a global spin with a collection of ceramic white elephants ($7.99).
If I had a le smoking room with deep leather couches and tall mahogany bookcases, I would warm it up with a few sets of embroidered paisley pillows ($19.99).
The square mirrored side table has a very modern art deco feel ($149.99).
Rugs can be so expensive; even styles at Ikea run upward of $1,000. But this hand-tufted wool eight-foot-by-ten-foot rug manages to be chic without breaking the bank ($299.99).
Curious about your decorating style? Check out one of these fun quizzes from iVillage and HGTV.
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 You might have noticed a new tenant on Washington Ave.; it is hidden under sushi restaurant Wasabi and next to recently opened dinner spot Sanctuary.
The opening of decor-Ation, a new home furnishing storefront, has been a long time coming for business partners Paul Fry and Scott Nelson. The pair has traveled the world in search of supremely unique furniture, lighting, artwork, and home accent pieces. It's a store unlike any other in the Twin Cities, with an always-changing inventory and a worldly outlook on interior design.
I stopped by yesterday to see firsthand what decor-Ation had to offer, and I have to say, I was immediately impressed with the eclectic selection, beautiful displays, and fine craftsmanship. I loved the stunning coffee table with inlaid nito vines (shown at right), which was a find from the Philippines ($940). The chic and masculine Natuzzi brown sofa is a perfect match ($1900).
Other great things in store:
Antique rice bucket from China ($125).
Shaggy leather chair ($560).
Hand-hammered copper sinks ($320 each) and marble sinks ($450 to $650).
decor-Ation, 903 Washington Ave., Mpls., 612-225-6999
Insider tidbit of the week:
Patina, our go-to shop for great gifts, opens its Minneapolis sale center this weekend for a Super Outlet Sale. Spend Friday and Saturday stocking up on jewelry, books, bath and body products, toys, candles, greeting cards, kitchen accessories—even furniture. The store's unbeatable collection of unsold and slightly damaged items are priced at 50 to 75 percent off. Arrive early to avoid lines and find the best selection!
In other Patina news: Get ready for a new retail location, set to open at the St. Paul intersection of Selby and Snelling this February!
Sale hours:
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, January 11
8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, January 12
Patina, 410 E. 48th St., Mpls., 612-823-5719
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If you have a gift card to Barnes & Noble or Borders burning a hole through your pocket (I know I do), why not treat yourself to a wonderful new coffee-table book on fashion, design, or style. Throughout the past few months, some really great books have been published on these subjects from some of the foremost minds in the fashion and design industries. Here are the ones currently occupying space on my coffee table and in my mind.
In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine
I have been pining after this book for two years and finally was able to delve into it on Christmas Eve. From wonderful art (illustrated vintage covers dating back to 1892 and the photography of Steven Klein, Irving Penn, Patrick Demarchelier, Richard Avedon, and Helmut Newton) to narrative on the delicate inner workings of the fashion and magazine industries, this entire book is a creative treat. But my favorite part was the insiders' look into publishing one of the world’s most important fashion magazines—behind-the-scenes anecdotes (including how many people it takes to create the fabulous fashion shoots), insider photos, and discarded proofs.
Little Black Book of Style
Nina Garcia, fashion director of Elle Magazine and arduous judge on Project Runway, penned this reference book to personal style with an authoritative, yet coaching, tone. The Colombia native talks about the influence globetrotting parents and American prep schooling had on her personal style, noting how important it is to tell our stories though our appearances. With playful illustrations by Reuben Toledo, Little Black Book of Style offers frank and witty advice on everything from creating a closet full of classics to pointers on guarding against fashion faux pas and how to achieve a signature, personal style.
Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion
And ode to the often-unheralded, behind-the-scenes powers in the fashion industry, Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion by Sarah Mower looks deep into the world of the individuals who are called upon by designers, editors, photographers, and celebrities to tell them what’s hot and what’s not. The book, once again full of phenomenal fashion photography, features sixteen of today’s top tastemakers, including the theatrical Polly Mellon, French Vogue’s Carine Rotfield, flame-haired beauty Grace Coddington, and Hollywood force of nature Andrea Lieberman. It is these fashion insiders whose inherent sense for the next big thing, distinctly creative minds, and discerning tastes often help reinvent staid fashion houses, add bravado to editorial, and create trends of epic proportion.
Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics, 1900-1990
If you are an amateur vintage collector (like moi), this book by Emma Baxter Wright is a perfect guide to the fashions of the last century. The text breaks down trends and dissects vintage pieces pointing out what collectors should look for, and the color photography showcases the fabrics, techniques, silhouettes, shapes, and workmanship that are indicative of the style and craftsmanship of vintage garments. The most useful part: a shopping guide offering tips on where to buy vintage pieces, how to care for them, and glossaries on fashion terms and the century's most collectible designers.
Tony Duquette
Step into the divine, theatrical world of American artist and design legend Tony Duquette in this 416-page, five-pound retrospective of his life and designs. Duquette is known for his over-the-top style and clients ranging from Elizabeth Arden to the Duchess of Windsor, and I first took notice of him when I received my April 2007 issue of Harpers Bazaar in which Reese Witherspoon was photographed in a Nina Ricci gown at Duquette’s exotic and eccentric Dawnridge estate. A true renaissance man, Duquette designed interiors, jewelry, costumes, and sets for MGM and the Broadway production of Camelot. The book is sumptuously illustrated in words and pictures with author Wendy Goodman delving into archives, old photographs, and anecdotes of Duquette.
That Extra Half an Inch
I have a not-so-secret crush on Victoria Beckham. There is just something about her over-the-top fabulousness and love of tight and bright fashions that I find oddly appealing. In That Extra Half an Inch, Beckham coaches women on how to make themselves the very best woman they can be. A step back in feminism, maybe, but her style pointers (a whole chapter on looking chic in jeans!) are right-on and witty.
Vogue Living
If you’re looking for a collection of photography from the world’s most stunning residences, pick up Vogue Living. Written and compiled by Hamish Bowles (European editor at large for Vogue and editor in chief of Vogue Living), this book showcases thirty-six spectacular houses and gardens—whose equally spectacular owners come from the worlds of fashion, music, art, and society. Vogue Living’s rich photography and energetic prose is the most irresistible home tour I have ever been on: from Christian Louboutin’s whimsical houseboat on the Nile to Marella Agnelli’s breathtaking gardens in the Palmeraie of Marrakesh, Madonna’s rustic, romantic English countryside retreat to Oscar and Annette de la Renta’s Palladian Dominican mansion.
Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour
Although I might be so incredibly sick of the Zoebot look, no one can doubt the influence Rachel Zoe has had on fashion from Hollywood to suburban malls. She took starlets out of jeans and flip-flops and dressed them in vintage Halston and red-soled Louboutins and thus created a legion of young followers in oversized sunglasses and designer handbags. In Style A to Zoe, Rachel Zoe shares insider tips on how to live a luxe and fabulous life with advice on must-have accessories, wardrobe staples, when to splurge, when to save, and how to decorate, entertain, and travel in style.
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There are still a few good shopping days left! And if you're following the green trend this year, Twin Cities shops offer countless earth-friendly options—perfect for those hard-to-buy-for relatives. I stopped by two of our favorite eco-conscious retailers to check out which green goods are hot for the holidays.
For one of the widest selections of eco-friendly organic fashions, head to South Minneapolis storefront Birch Clothing. Find everything from stylish, recycled handbags to organic, New Year's Eve-worthy dresses. Here are three of my favorite items:
California-based artist Kim White specializes in repurposed handbags and wallets made with vintage automobile fabrics. The design-savvy clutch on the right might look familiar if you've driven a 1975 Buick Skylark ($163)!
This Kim White creation is actually two handbags in one. Turn it inside out to find a blue paisley print fabric and a completely different bag. Large enough to fit all your necessary items and made with heavy textiles, the reversible bag is great for travel ($175).
Made of bamboo, these flattering frocks by Sworn Virgins are a cute and sustainable way to bring in the new year ($138).
Located in a nearby neighborhood, Ryan and Tina North's quaint shop, Re Gifts, is also packed with one-of-a-kind gift ideas. Give yourself some time to peruse the store's well-edited selection of recycled, repurposed, organic, and locally made goods.
Three of my top Re Gifts picks:
I love these foldable bowls made out of old chopsticks—great as a breathable fruit basket ($12 to $24)!
Shopping for kids is easy at Re Gifts. The store boasts an impressive selection of safe, eco-friendly children's toys and games, including these fun Doll and Ancient Heroes kits ($13.95).
What happened to all your old scratched records? Re Gifts sells them as funky, retro bowls. Use one as decoration or a place to throw your car keys ($5).
Re Gifts, 1832 E. 42nd St., Mpls., 612-276-1105
Birch Clothing, 2309 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-436-0776
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There’s something extraordinary and singular about traversing city streets, popping in and out of tiny shops and boutiques during the holiday season. Crisp, winter air nibbling at your nose, beautiful boulevard décor, the distinct personality of the stores—you just can't get the same feeling in a climate-controlled mall. And as Minnesotans, I believe we somewhat like la douleur exquise of darting across snow-covered streets from store to store to find perfect gifts for our loved ones. Last weekend, I hit 50th & France to check out the must-haves at some of my favorite retailers.
For the lady on your list who loves costume jewelry, this funky octopus necklace is a great option. The broach is removable, so it is really a two-for-one adornment, and the bright orange color is important in both the resort and spring 2008 seasons. Necklace by Serenity Stones from Clutch Boutique ($92).
Both decorative and functional, a decoupage glass plate can be used as a
serving piece or displayed on a wall. The tongue-in-cheek designs range
from botany and curiosities to vintage fashions and city scenes. Card
Suits tray by Kaas Glassworks from Gather ($165).
For the habitual hostess on your list, this chip and dip serving tray in bamboo will make even the most unspectacular appetizer look divine. Tray by Totally Bamboo from Cooks of Crocus Hill ($29).
OK, so I know this is supposed to be about gift buying, but I so want a pair of high-waist jeans. Tuck a simple white T from Gap into one of these, and pair with a huge gold belt and teetering heels, and you look laid back yet pulled together during your holiday events. Malik wide-leg jeans in powder by J Brand; double-pocket jeans in indigo and vintage wash, both by Morrissey; all are from Grethen House ($230, $180, and $160).
Funky flats make a great gift for stylistas of all ages, and this pair is perfectly on trend in lipstick red pony hair. Flat by Eileen Shields from N'Etc at Grethen House ($395).
Again, this might not be something you should buy for someone else, so maybe stuff your own stocking with this miracle cream. Crème de la Mer not only makes skin firmer and smoother, but it will save your skin from the dry winter air. Crème de la Mer cream from Cos Bar ($120 for one ounce).
Seventy percent dark chocolate or milk chocolate fondue in a miniature crate is a fun hostess gift or stocking stuffer for the chocolate lover. Chocolate fondue crate set from Sur La Table ($39.95).
A woman of style can never have too many pashminas; one in a bright fuchsia, crimson, or ruby will brighten up the grays and blacks of her winter wardrobe. Pashminas from Bluebird Boutique ($66 to $71).
Although charm jewelry has been around for centuries, this style of charm bracelet by Pandora incorporates charms in a different and more modern way. Great for a mother or grandmother, the designs are handmade in Denmark using sterling silver, 24k gold, black onyx, colorful precious stones, and cultured pearls. Bracelets and beads, both from Live Laugh Love. ($40 and up; and $20 and up).
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We've seen Target step it up in the fashion arena lately with its contemporary Go International designs. It seems the tabletop department has followed suit this holiday season, boasting an impressive selection of stylish dinnerware and accessories. Prepare for holiday parties and winter dinners with some of my favorite (affordable) picks:
I adore the hand-painted snowflake set (16 pieces, $59.99). Candy cane-colored plates make the perfect backdrops for homemade gingerbread cookies and Russian teacakes.
I've been eyeing the French-inspired Benjoix Collection since holiday dinnerware hit shelves in late October. It's versatile enough to mix and match with other dishware, plus, it can be used year-round. Lucky for me, the sophisticated black-and-white set is on sale this week (16 pieces, $59.49)!
Another non-traditional standout is the Tahari Porcelain Collection in rich black and gold ($15.99-$24.99). You'll be dinner party-ready with this detailed set, which includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs.
Add to these some of Target's coordinationg tabletop accessorises, including decorative metallic Christmas trees, trendy glassware, and matching table linens, to create the perfect holiday place settings.
I played hooky from the office this morning and went to check out the first day of |
